Chapter 80 presents Lao Tzu's vision of the ideal society, the "Taoist utopia". Although it is not a "realistic" picture at first glance, writing it off would be a big mistake. The chapter not only praises minimalism and simple living, but also contains a thinly veiled but cutting cultural critique that is just as relevant today as it was 2600 years ago.

1. The simple life - minimalism and Christian activist Shane Claiborne's "Irresistible Revolution"

2. The cultural critique - overpopulation, overdevelopment, industrialization, and insatiable desires

3. A clarification - is this chapter really idolizing a boring, antisocial life?

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